Elephanta Caves

History

The Elephanta Caves, carved between the 5th and 8th centuries, are a UNESCO site reached by ferry from the Gateway of India. The main cave is dominated by the 6-metre Trimurti, a three-faced Shiva representing creation, preservation, and destruction. The dark, pillared halls are covered in relief sculpture showing Shiva in dozens of forms — a masterpiece of Indian cave art.